15 Unique Adventures in New Zealand
We know how overwhelming trip planning can be, so to help you out, we thought we’d share our favourite activities from our travels through the country.
1 – Fly Your Own Stunt Plane Abel Tasman
The most original and exciting adventure you will ever do in your life is to fly your own stunt plane at Ufly Extreme. Imagine taking full control of the plane you flip upside down and all around in mid air as pilot Vincent talks you through the flight from the cockpit behind. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, but if Deb can do it, anyone can!
2 – Bungy Jump in Queenstown
Bungy jumping was invented by AJ Hackett in Queenstown, and if you are visiting here, you must make sure you jump off a platform at one of the sites. From the original bridge jump to the terrifying Nevis Bungylocated 134 metre over the middle of a gorge!
3 – SkyDive Abel Tasman
When skydiving in Abel Tasman you have the option to jump from 16,500 feet. Skydive Abel Tasman is the only place in New Zealand that you can jump from so high. There are many places to jump in New Zealand, but Abel Tasman is special as you can see both the North and South Island when you jump.
4 – Trek the Fox Glacier
Who doesn’t want to walk on a glacier? The Fox Glacier is probably one of the easiest and quickest glacier walks you’ll ever be able to do. We were suited up with thick woolly socks and boots suitable for crampons. They gave us a rain jacket and waterproof pants all we had to do was show up. Located at a low elevation, it’s suitable for anyone that’s relatively fit.
5 – Swim with Dolphins, The Bay of Islands
Swimming with dolphins is one of the most magical moments you will ever have in your life. In The Bay of Islands, we had the opportunity to swim with bottlenose dolphins. The waters are warmer on the North Island so you don’t have to wear a wetsuit here!
6 – Cruise Milford Sound
In 2008 it was named the World’s Top Travel Destination and Rudyard Kipling called it the 8th Wonder of the World. Milford Sound is New Zealand’s most famous tourist destination. A cruise through Milford Sound is a must when visiting the country. Its breathtaking fiords showcase some of the highest sea cliffs in the world.
7 – Hike the Tongariro Crossing
The Tongariro Crossing is considered one of the best day hikes in the entire world. It’s an absolutely beautiful trek taking you through huge valleys, up mountain slopes and to incredible volcanic lakes. Peter Jackson chose this location to be the dreaded Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings.
8 – Whitewater Raft Class 5 Rapid
We’ve done a lot of whitewater rafting around the world, but the class five rapids just two hours from Christchurch were the thrill of a lifetime. After facing the massive water, you can jump into some smaller rapids yourself from 3 – 5 meter high ledges. That really gets your blood pumping.
9 – Go Whale Watching Kaikura
When whale watching in Kaikoura, the chances of spotting whales are so that if you don’t see any, they will refund 80% of your money. We not only saw humpback whales, we saw killer whales too!
10 – Go Sailing
One cannot appreciate the beauty of a coastline until you see it from afar. Taking a sailing trip is a fun and relaxing way to spend the day. We sailed along the coast of Abel Tasman National Park exploring secluded beaches and witnessing unique rock formations. But most importantly, we had the opportunity to captain the boat!
11 – See the Glow Worms
Glowworms are small insects that emit bioluminescent. They can be found in many caves in New Zealand and you must go to see them when you are there. Glow worms never leave the cave and they spend their lives feeding on insects that make their way into the deep caverns. One glowworm hangs hundreds of threads to catch their prey using their lights attract the bugs where they are trapped in their gooey string to wait for a slow death.
12 – Moeraki Boulders
The Moeraki Boulders are a natural phenomenon that lay along a stretch of the Koekohe Beach on the Otago coast of New Zealand. They are located between Moeraki and Hampden on the South Island. Scientists claim that the Moeraki boulders were formed millions of years ago due to muddy sediments slowly forming the boulders through erosion, wave action and landslide. They are a fascinating site to see.
13 – Tamaki Maori Village in Rotorua
You cannot The Polynesians settled here in the 13th century and an excellent way to learn about their history is to visit the Tamaki Maori Village in Rotorua where you will be welcomed by the Powhiri, a formal welcoming ceremony followed by a performance of warrior dances and songs.
14 – Go Zorbing in Roturura
New Zealand is known for their zany adventures and when there you must try zorbing in Rotorua. Rotorua is an excellent stop for hot springs as well, so after a day of adventures, you can warm up in the warm volcanic sulphur waters.
15 – Wai-O-Tapu
Wai-O-Tapu is a Thermal Wonderland. Walk along safe and defined tracks through this incredible geothermal pools and volcanic and acidic lakes. Witness bubbling mud, steaming ground and volcanic craters at this natural attraction that has bee called One of the 20 Most Surreal Places in the World.
There are so many things to do in New Zealand, you could spend a month exploring the two islands and still not see it all. We know! We spent 6 weeks there. But with local flights to 25 cities getting you quickly to your destination, and now that you are armed with these 15 ideas of the greatest adventures in New Zealand, you’ll be able to easily create your own custom itinerary. So head over to the Contest Page,Choose your activities and enter for your chance to win! Good luck, we hope a PlanetD reader wins. Wouldn’t that be awesome?
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